“We’re not trying to erase what Malibu has experienced; we’re creating a space to honor it while embracing what comes next,” Levy says. “Ultimately, I want people to leave feeling inspired, connected, and reminded that Malibu is more than a destination—it’s a community.”
Jakob Nowell of Sublime draws a crowd at last year’s event.
Photo Courtesy of Malibu Food & Wine
The weekend kicks off Friday with an intimate five-course dinner hosted by Charlize Theron benefiting the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, with Andrew Zimmern, Michael and Bryan Voltaggio and Vigneron among the culinary talent.
“Charlize’s involvement gives Friday night an even greater sense of purpose,” Vigneron says. “It becomes more than an intimate five-course dinner with incredible chefs and wines; it becomes an opportunity to connect, contribute and support work with real, lasting impact.”
Saturday brings Italian Night, music and a live carving of a 200-pound bluefin tuna, while Sunday’s family-friendly Country Cookout features live-fire cooking, music and activities for kids. Throughout the weekend, the culinary roster spans Michelin and James Beard-recognized talent, Top Chef alumni and local standouts.
Crispy pork belly with Asian pears by chef Arnie Marcella of Michelin-starred Cobi’s.
“Recognizable names are great, but that was never enough,” Vigneron says. “I wanted to create a thoughtful balance between incredible local talent and chefs from around the country.”
Levy has also expanded the wine and experiential side of the festival, with immersive lounges and a wine program featuring Williams Selyem, Domaine Carneros, TOR Wines, AXR Napa Valley, Bouchaine and Malibu producers.
Chefs Duff Goldman, Roy Yamaguchi and Marcel Vigneron at last year’s Malibu Food & Wine Festival.
And they’re just getting started. “We want Malibu Food & Wine to become an annual tradition—something chefs are excited to return to, families put on their calendars, and the community feels proud to call its own,” Vigneron says.
For Levy, that future will remain firmly rooted in the place that inspired it. “The festival has so much room to evolve, and I want that growth to feel organic, elevated, and distinctly Malibu.”
Malibu Food & Wine takes place this weekend at Saddlerock Ranch. For tickets, the full chef and wine lineup and weekend programming, visit malibufoodandwine.com.